Structure and function of the CFTR chloride channel

Physiol Rev. 1999 Jan;79(1 Suppl):S23-45. doi: 10.1152/physrev.1999.79.1.S23.

Abstract

Structure and Function of the CFTR Chloride Channel. Physiol. Rev. 79, Suppl.: S23-S45, 1999. - The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a unique member of the ABC transporter family that forms a novel Cl- channel. It is located predominantly in the apical membrane of epithelia where it mediates transepithelial salt and liquid movement. Dysfunction of CFTR causes the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. The CFTR is composed of five domains: two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs), and a regulatory (R) domain. Here we review the structure and function of this unique channel, with a focus on how the various domains contribute to channel function. The MSDs form the channel pore, phosphorylation of the R domain determines channel activity, and ATP hydrolysis by the NBDs controls channel gating. Current knowledge of CFTR structure and function may help us understand better its mechanism of action, its role in electrolyte transport, its dysfunction in cystic fibrosis, and its relationship to other ABC transporters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / chemistry*
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrolysis
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Phosphorylation
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • CFTR protein, human
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator
  • Adenosine Triphosphate